Northpoint inmate tries to escape

August 13, 2003

An inmate at Northpoint Training Center is facing charges after a failed attempt to escape the prison Tuesday.

Jesse Strom, 26, was apprehended by staff about 10:40 a.m. His escape was thwarted prior to breaching the prison's perimeter. A correctional officer fired a shot from the guard tower, but no one was hit, and Strom dropped from the fence at that point.

Strom, who was serving a six-year sentence out of Grant County on charges of fleeing or evading police and escape, is being held in Northpoint's Special Management Unit. He received minor cuts when he became entangled in the razor wire. There were no injuries to staff.

In addition to the Grant County charge, Strom has a prior conviction out of California for drug possession.

He began serving his sentence July 10, 2002, and then escaped from the Grant County Jail Nov. 14, 2002. He was returned the following day. He was transferred to Northpoint on May 12.